Roads are closing due to high water. Is your commute affected?

According to a Virginia Department of Transportation press release, storm water has closed several roads throughout Fauquier County, including parts of Route 28.

Route 28 (Catlett Road) is closed in several locations between Route 29 (James Madison Highway) and the Prince William County line due to high water from small streams that have overflowed their banks and covered the road. Route 245 (Old Tavern Road) is also closed between Route 29 and Route 55 (John Marshall Highway). Motorists should use Route 29 and Route 215 (Vint Hill Road) as alternate routes.

There are numerous secondary roads across Central Virginia that are closed due to flooding; Route 28 and Route 245 are the only primary highways affected. The Virginia Department of Transportation is responding to reports of high water and closing roads as necessary.

The Virginia Department of Transportation urges motorists to use extreme caution while driving during severe storms. The streams in the Piedmont region of Virginia are susceptible to flash flooding when heavy rains flow off the Blue Ridge Mountains. VDOT urges that motorists remember:

· Never drive through water flowing across a road. It takes only six to 12 inches of water to float a small vehicle.

· Never drive around barricades. Remember, the road has been closed for your safety.
Turn around, don’t drown.

· Slow down when driving through standing water. Driving too fast through water could cause loss of control due to hydroplaning.